Main Points
Sarah Crosthwaite, Economic Development Manager presented a proposal to attract food and beverage development in certain corridors within the town using grants and a sales tax rebate.
A new retail liquor store for Wood Super Market Inc. was approved. The liquor store will be attached to the supermarket with outside access only.
The Johnstown municipal code was amended allowing gun owners with concealed carry permits to continue carrying guns in public spaces, except for judicial and government spaces.
All items on the Consent Agenda were unanimously approved (Pro Tem Young recused himself from the vote due to negotiating on behalf of the Historical Society):
Resolution No. 2024-50: Certifying various liens to the Larimer and Weld County Treasurer’s office for inclusion in the appropriate tax bill
Nov. 4, 2024, Meeting Minutes
Oct. 2024 Financial Statements
Memorandum of Understanding – Johnstown Historical Society
Details are provided in the packet.
Resolution No. 2024-49: Targeted retail activation policy was unanimously approved. In October.
Food & Beverage Establishment Grant Program (FBE Grant Program)
The FBE Grant Program focuses on revitalizing and enhancing existing buildings within the Downtown Core and Gateway Center to attract desired establishments
A reimbursement Grant for qualifying expenses and improvements to the interior of a building.
Food & Beverage Establishment Sales Tax Program (FBE Sales Tax Program)
The FBE Sales Tax Program focuses on incentivizing the attraction of desired establishments within existing or newly developed properties and/or buildings within the Downtown Core, North Downtown, and Gateway Center.
The program is designed to be a sales tax rebate for qualifying establishment types. The rebate amounts will be based on establishment types.
A public hearing was held to receive comments for a new retail liquor store for Wood Super Market Inc. The liquor store will be attached to the supermarket with outside access only. The Woods family completed and passed all requirements for a liquor license. A community survey was conducted using parameters set by the council. The area is not densely populated yet. Of 415 attempts to get signatures, only 57 would sign the petition. Seven businesses and 45 residents were in favor, while 1 business and 4 residents were against having another liquor store.
Council member Menzies said she did not agree that 57 signatures was enough of a sample to approve this new liquor store. The owner of Red Barn Liquors near Buc-ees asked the council to vote against the new store and license. He said his business suffered while Buc-ees was being built and he is still trying to get business back. The Red Barn Liquor owner said he just wants the council to give his business a chance to succeed first.
Town Attorney Rocklin read from the state statute which says a municipality cannot deny a liquor license based on other liquor stores in the area. If the business meets all standards, it’s very risky to deny a license, she said.
Several residents asked that the council postpone the vote and ask Woods Super Market Inc. to try to get more signatures as a better sampling of the community.
Mayor Duncan recused himself from the discussion and the vote. He said the owners are his neighbors.
The new liquor license was approved 5-0.
The first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-264 was approved 5-1. Council member
Menzies voted no because this still allows guns in the public lobby area. She said, “No one should be allowed to carry guns into the chamber during government meetings.” The ordinance amends Section 10-191 and Section 10-196 of the Johnstown Municipal Code concerning carrying firearms in public spaces. State regulation was passed in 2024 prohibiting the carrying of firearms, including concealed handguns on property and in buildings where:The chambers of a local government’s governing body are located.
A meeting of the local government’s governing body is located.
The office of the Mayor, a Town Councilmember, or the Town Manager is located.
Judicial proceedings are located (collectively, “Public Spaces”).
The State regulation also allows local governments to opt-out with regard for “Public Spaces” except for spaces where judicial proceedings are held. Johnstown voted to continue to allow residents with concealed-carry permits to carry handguns in public spaces except for judicial and governmental spaces.
Mitzi McCoy, Deputy Town Manager, had a 2nd hearing for the 2025 budget. McCoy said there are no changes and plans to bring the budget for a final vote at the Dec. 2 council meeting. One resident said he didn’t have any objections to the budget but had some questions. He reviewed fund balances, and all his questions were answered.
The public meeting ended at approximately 8:40 p.m. The council went into Executive Session to discuss the following:
The purchase of real property pursuant to C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(a)
Next Meeting
Dec. 2, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 450 S. Parish Ave., Johnstown, CO 80534, or online Town of Johnstown Facebook page.
Members Present
Mayor Michael Duncan; Mayor Pro Tem Chad Young; Council Members: Dee Anne Menzies, Jesse Molinar, Jr, Dianne Morris, and Andrew Paranto. Council member Damen Berg was absent.
Others Present
Chief of Police Jeff Strossner; Town Manager Matt LeCerf; Town Clerk Meghan Martinez; Town Attorney Avi Rocklin; Deputy Town Manager Mitzi McCoy.
Recorded Meeting
Available on Facebook – Town of Johnstown, CO – Government page
Agency Mission (from the Johnstown website): “Enhance the quality of life of our residents, businesses, and visitors through community-focused leadership.”
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